Padma Awards

Padma Awards, namely, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri are given for exceptional and distinguished service in any field including service rendered by Government servants. The recommendations for Padma Awards are received from the State Governments/Union Territory Administrations, Central Ministries/Departments, Institutions of Excellence, etc. which are considered by an Awards Committee. On the basis of the recommendations of the Awards Committee, and after approval of the Home Minister, Prime Minister and President, the Padma Awards are announced on the eve of the Republic Day.

The initial selection made by a committee, headed by the cabinet Secretary. Also included in the Committee are the secretary to the President, the Union Home Secretary, and a number of "EMINENT" Representatives from various fields such as Science, Medicine, Culture, Media and sports.

The committee examines the recommendations, roughly about 500,from the State Government and the Union Ministries

This list is brought down 150,and out of which about 100 to 130 make the final padma grade in various categories.

The Prime Minister has the final say though Presidents too are known have played activist roles in these stat honours